Roger Dean Barris, 75, a proud United States Army Veteran of Arenas Valley, passed away peacefully after an extended illness at the family home on January 31, 2026.
Roger was born March 11, 1951 in Flaglar, CO to Paul and Edna Barris. Roger was drafted into the Army in 1970, where he served honorably for 22 years. During his military career, Roger served as a Drill Sergeant and later on as a Recruiter. Retiring from the Army in 1993. Following his military service, Roger worked for Phelps Dodge as a laborer, and as an Electric Shop Repairman in the cable room. He retired from Freeport MacMoran in 2013.
In 1994, Roger met the love of his life Barbara and they married a year later in 1995; combining their family into five adult children, twelve grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Roger and Barbara loved dancing together, spending time camping in their RV with friends, hunting and fishing, attending Elks Lodge events and enthusiastically cheering on the Dallas Cowboys. Roger was a 43-year member of the Silver City Elks Lodge where he built lasting friendships and community ties. Roger and Barbara could be seen dancing together anywhere country music could be found.
Roger is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his children, Jason Barris (Candi), Dirk Barris (Nicole), Deana Salas (Freddy); step-daughters, Brandi Fuller (Louis), Brynda Morales. Sister in-law, Sharon Barris; grandchildren, Haley Collard (Tyson), Maryah Adcock (Shawn), Arailiana McCarthy, Keeley Evatt, Dystenee Barris, Kaylie Barris (Chandler), Branden Evatt, Miles McCarthy, Cheyenne Reeves (Andrew), Noelle Barris, Madelyn Barris, Jason Wade Barris; great grandchildren, Tyley Collard, Hayson Collard, Rawlyn Collard, Graicely Collard, Colton Reeves, Kodi Reeves, Grayson Reeves, and Jaxson Bluue. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Edna Barros, his brother, Jim Barris and his sister, Kathy Eaton.
Roger will be remembered for his pride in serving his country, and his love for his beautiful wife Barbara.
Graveside services will be held at the Fort Bayard National Cemetery on Wednesday, February 11th at 11am with full military honors. Pallbearers will be Military.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
